WarrantyKeepUpdated 2026-07-18
Do Aftermarket Parts Void Your Warranty?
In the US, generally no. Federal law puts the burden on the manufacturer to prove the part caused the failure.
Using an aftermarket, recycled or third-party part does not automatically void a manufacturer's warranty. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers here: a warrantor cannot deny coverage merely because a non-original part was used, or because someone other than the dealer did the work.
What the maker can do is deny a specific repair if it proves the aftermarket part actually caused that failure — and the burden of proof is on them. Even then, the denial is limited to the affected system. Aftermarket wheels, for example, have nothing to do with a transmission claim; a poorly designed performance part that demonstrably damaged the engine is a different story.
The act also prohibits tie-in sales — clauses that condition your warranty on using only the brand's own parts or service. A warranty can only require branded parts if the maker provides them free or has an FTC waiver. So 'you must use our parts or lose coverage' is generally not enforceable.
Practical takeaway: keep records showing the aftermarket part didn't cause the fault (installation receipts, an independent diagnosis), and don't accept a blanket 'aftermarket parts void everything' — that's not how the law works.
FAQ
Do aftermarket parts void my warranty?
Can a dealer require me to use only their parts?
Related
General information, not legal advice — confirm specifics with the manufacturer.
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